Greater Western Sydney are playing hardball with Geelong after deciding to match the Cats’ free agency offer for star AFL forward Jeremy Cameron.

Geelong offered Cameron a mega deal believed to be worth in excess of $900,000 a seaso over five years earlier this week.

That would have netted GWS a compensation pick of No.10 but the Giants are now rolling the dice in the belief they can get something better.

By becoming the first club to match a rival team’s bid for a restricted free agent, GWS will look to net a better deal from Geelong via the trade table.

If a trade that satisfies both parties can’t be done, Cameron could head to the pre-season draft but that outcome is highly unlikely.

GWS reportedly offered Cameron a five-year deal worth about $750,000 per season earlier this year but the 27-year-old is determined to join the Cats.

The Giants have been hit hard by a mass exodus of players after their disappointing 2020 campaign.

Zac Williams joined Carlton on Friday on a lucrative six-year deal, while defender Aidan Corr joined North Melbourne on a five-year contract.

Jye Caldwell is keen to join Essendon, while small forward Zac Langdon wants to join West Coast.